Abstract: In a method of cutting plant tissue for micropropagation, a container (42) containing plantlets (43) Is rotated on a turntable (19). A laser beam (35) is focused on a side wall (36) of the container below the level of a nutrient medium (45). The container (42) is rotated while the laser (35) cuts free an upper portion (36) of the container (12). After cutting, plant material is cut in a subsequent step by the same laser. Preferably the container is inverted during cutting of container and plantlets.

Abstract: In a seeder for singulating wet seeds, a seed capture nozzle dips into a reservoir of seeds suspended in water, and captures a seed on the nozzle by means of suction applied to a suction tube. The nozzle then moves from the seed reservoir to a release location, and releases the seed by application of a pulse of water to a pressure tube. The suction tube and pressure tube meet at a junction in a conduit in the movable capture head. The suction is applied continuously to the pressure tube, and release of the seed is achieved by applying at the pressure tube a pulse of water under pressure sufficient to overcome the applied suction. In a preferred form a seed reservoir may include an inlet bore in the base of a well for supplying an upwardly directed jet of water in the seed suspension for carrying a stream of seeds upwardly toward the surface of the water. This produces a fountain of seeds at the surface and the nozzle captures a seed from a concentration of seeds at the tip of the fountain.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning objects, especially root crops such as sugar beet, comprises first and second members defining first and second surfaces respectively arranged for cleaning objects by relative movement between the surfaces and the objects to be cleaned. The first and second surfaces are arranged to converge towards each other over at least a part of the extent of each surface and are preferably in generally cylindrical form. Driving means drive the first member in a reciprocatory movement such that the first surface moves towards and away from the region of convergence of the surfaces, and drive the second members in a motion such as to effect at least an average movement of the second surface towards the region of convergence of the surfaces. Preferably the first and second members are rotary members positioned generally side by side with the axes of rotation thereof substantially parallel.